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Social Systems Theory and Family Business: A Perspective Article

Author

Listed:
  • Theresa Arnold

    (University of Witten-Herdecke)

  • Steffen Roth

    (CERIIM, Excelia Business School)

Abstract

This perspective article highlights the significance of systems-theoretical approaches within family business research. Extant systems-theoretical literature in the field of family business research is reviewed to outline potential research gaps and avenues. The article highlights the fundamental differences between organisational decision communication and intimate family communication. At the same time, it shows that both organisations and families as addressable social systems that may be characterised by the specific ways in which these systems refer to and manage expectations represented by the function systems of society. The article demonstrates how the key family business research areas of boundary management, succession planning, and family-business paradoxes could benefit from leveraging systems theory.

Suggested Citation

  • Theresa Arnold & Steffen Roth, 2024. "Social Systems Theory and Family Business: A Perspective Article," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 37(6), pages 1015-1024, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:syspar:v:37:y:2024:i:6:d:10.1007_s11213-024-09682-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s11213-024-09682-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kushins, Eric R. & Behounek, Elaina, 2020. "Using sociological theory to problematize family business research," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 11(1).
    2. Roth, Steffen & Schneckenberg, Dirk & Valentinov, Vladislav & Kleve, Heiko, 2023. "Approaching management and organization paradoxes paradoxically: The case for the tetralemma as an expansive encasement strategy," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 41(2), pages 191-198.
    3. Zellweger, Thomas M. & Eddleston, Kimberly A. & Kellermanns, Franz W., 2010. "Exploring the concept of familiness: Introducing family firm identity," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 1(1), pages 54-63, March.
    4. Bodolica, Virginia & Spraggon, Martin & Zaidi, Sahar, 2015. "Boundary management strategies for governing family firms: A UAE-based case study," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 68(3), pages 684-693.
    5. Frank, Hermann & Lueger, Manfred & Nosé, Lavinia & Suchy, Daniela, 2010. "The concept of "Familiness": Literature review and systems theory-based reflections," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 1(3), pages 119-130, September.
    6. Reginald A. Litz, 2012. "Double Roles, Double Binds? Double Bind Theory and Family Business Research," International Studies in Entrepreneurship, in: ALAN CARSRUD & Malin Brännback (ed.), Understanding Family Businesses, chapter 0, pages 115-132, Springer.
    7. Habbershon, Timothy G. & Williams, Mary & MacMillan, Ian C., 2003. "A unified systems perspective of family firm performance," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 18(4), pages 451-465, July.
    8. Aldrich, Howard E. & Cliff, Jennifer E., 2003. "The pervasive effects of family on entrepreneurship: toward a family embeddedness perspective," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 18(5), pages 573-596, September.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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